KAMPALA – The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, on Wednesday, 22 July 2020 has flagged off teams to conduct the second rapid assessment survey to determine the extent of community transmission of COVID-19 and possible risk groups.
The main goal of this survey is to determine the status of COVID-19 epidemic in targeted districts of Uganda that seem to have the highest risk.
Dr Aceng said the objectives of the survey are: to estimate the proportion of active COVID-19 infection among high risk population sub groups in targeted districts, to estimate the population of exposure to COVID-19 among various population sub-groups in the targeted districts and to estimate the secondary attack rates of COVID-19 among contacts of confirmed cases and children living in communities of confirmed cases.
The survey will involve 18 teams that will collect information and samples from selected population groups and communities.
A total of 10,000 Ugandans will be interviewed and samples withdrawn and tested for COVID-19.
The population groups to be assessed include: Border crossing points and communities (URA staff working at Points of Entry, migratory population, traders), Law enforcement officers), health workers, boda boda and bicycle riders, sex workers and slum areas.
Others are households in high risk exposure areas of border districts, children under 15 years, the Elderly (above 60 years old), factory workers and fishing communities.
The targeted districts for the survey as guided by the number of infected individuals are: Masaka, Kyotera, Adjumani, Rakai, Isingiro, Gulu, Buikwe, Ntungamo, Amuru, Kakumiro and Kasese.
Dr Aceng appealed to the general public to cooperate with the survey teams as and when they come to collect information and samples.
